September 2, 2009

LANSING - Attorney General Mike Cox today announced that his office is serving as counsel to Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb in a lawsuit filed by the Detroit School Board that challenges the scope of Bobb's authority as emergency financial manager under the Local Government Fiscal Responsibility Act. 

Cox said that his office will serve as Bobb's counsel because Bobb is a public officer appointed by Governor Granholm under state law and because Bobb made a request for representation.  Cox appointed John C. Clark, of Troy, as a Special Assistant Attorney General to handle the case. 

On behalf of Mr. Bobb, a counterclaim was filed today to the DPS Board suit in order to block the Board's August 13, 2009 appointment of a General Superintendent.  The suit notes that the Local Government Fiscal Responsibility Act, under which Bobb was appointed Emergency Financial Manager, gives Bobb the power to issue orders which are binding on the district.  In March 2009, Bobb issued an order stating that "there shall be no personnel actions taken by the school district of any kind, including, but not limited to new hires, transfers, terminations, salary adjustments, or reorganizations of divisions or departments of the school district without the approval of the emergency financial manager."  Bobb did not grant approval of the Board's appointment.

The case was filed in the Wayne County Circuit Court before Judge Wendy Baxter.  

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